WEED WATCHERS

An Association to Halt the Spread of Invasive Aquatic Plants in NH

Milfoil (Myriophyllum heteroplyllum, Myriophyllum spicatum) and fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) are exotic aquatic plants that have become economic and recreational nuisances in some of New Hampshire’s lakes and ponds. Dense stands of these plants inhabit shoreline areas frequented by boaters. Exotic plants can create the following problems:

Weed Watchers, a volunteer association dedicated to monitoring the lakes and ponds for the presence of exotic weeds, was formed by the NH DES in 1988. Weed Watchers attend special training to enable them to patrol their sections of a water body and identify native and exotic species present. The Newfound Lake Region Association is always looking for more volunteers for this important work.

While the Newfound Lake is believed to be free of any invasive species, constant monitoring and vigilance is necessary to keep it that way!